MANILA -- Erwin Sta. Maria and Rickson Gerero were named the inaugural Metro League Open Players of the Week after their impressive stints during the opening week of the tournament.
Sta. Maria helped Valenzuela barged to a 2-0 record at the start of its campaign, while Gerero bounced back from an off-day with a 30-point explosion for Pateros.
Sta. Maria averaged a double-double of 24.5 points and 10.5 rebounds this past week alongside 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals for the Workhorses highlighted by his 33-point, 14-rebound, three-steal, and two-assist blast against the Caloocan Supremos in a 95-85 win on opening day.
“I like his work ethic. He is there not just to play but to compete. He is doing what is expected of him as a veteran--leadership and composure. Seryoso at focused si Erwin. Yan ang maganda sa kanya,” said Valenzuela coach Gerry Esplana.
Gerero, on the other hand, was on fire during Isang Pateros' recent outing, a 93-77 rout against the Las Piñas Home Defenders, scoring 30 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks to make up for his dismal five-point, three-carom showing in a close 83-86 loss to the Manila All-Stars.
“Alam ko at nakita ko na babawi at babawi siya after ng off night niya against Manila(I know he would recover after his off night against Manila). He has the mentality and capability to bounce back which he did in our last game,” said Pateros mentor Pablo Lucas on Gerero.
Sta. Maria got the nod among the Northern Division players over Quezon City's Cyrus Tabi and Sandy Señal and Caloocan’s Aevin Coquia and Johnnel Bauzon.
Gerero won the Southern Division Player of the Week plum against San Juan’s Homer Jagunap, Parañaque’s Rafy Gusi and Taguig’s Richard Albo. (PNA)
